Views sought on proposed traveller sites

South Gloucestershire Council is about to launch a public consultation on 17 proposed locations for sites, which are needed to help the authority fulfil the needs of the gypsy and traveller population.

The council, under instruction from central government, needs to find 53 permanent pitches and 25 transit pitches.

As a result of an initial consultation, held earlier this year, the council has already identified 17 preferred locations. Some are existing traveller sites, which could be intensified including land at Bank Road, Pilning, Gloucester Road, Almondsbury and Henfield Paddock, Coalpit Heath.

However, nine of the suggested sites are new, including land at Northwood Park, Winterbourne, Kendall Close, Yate, and Northwick Road, Pilning.

The consultation will be launched after it receives approval from South Gloucestershire Council’s cabinet on Monday, October 6.

Cllr Sheila Cook, deputy leader of the council and executive member for children and young people, said: "This is not an initiative of South Gloucestershire Council. We have been told to undertake this consultation by central government because in their eyes we under provide for the travelling population. It is important people get involved.

"The sites proposed will all have to be subject to separate planning applications.

"The reason we are doing it is if we ignored the government they would come in and allocate sites without public consultation and we think this is wholly inappropriate."

Peter Jackson, director of planning, transportation and strategic environment, said: "It is important to stress that no decisions have been taken yet. When consultation begins shortly we want to hear the views of all people on the proposed locations for sites.

"We will listen carefully to what people have to say and consultation responses will be taken into consideration, together with suggestions for alternative locations."

For more information, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/gypsydpd.